Samuel's Call and the Lord's Word to Eli
1 Samuel 3:1-4:1
1 S.3.1 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- והנער: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,def
- שמואל: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- משרת: NOUN,m,sg,cstr
- את: PRT,acc
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- לפני: PREP
- עלי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- ודבר: VERB,qal,fut,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- היה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יקר: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- בימים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ההם: PRON,dem,m,pl
- אין: PART,neg
- חזון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- נפרץ: VERB,nif,ptc,0,m,sg
Parallels
- Job 33:14-16 (thematic): Describes God speaking in dreams and visions—connects to 1 Sam 3:1’s statement that in those days there was no (open) vision, highlighting modes of divine communication.
- Amos 8:11 (thematic): Speaks of a coming 'famine' of hearing the words of the LORD; parallels the wording of 1 Sam 3:1 that the word of the LORD was rare/precious in those days.
- 1 Samuel 2:27-36 (structural): Earlier prophetic word against Eli appears in the narrative; provides background contrast to 3:1’s general remark about scarcity of prophetic revelation.
- 1 Samuel 3:19-21 (structural): Immediate narrative follow-up: despite 3:1’s note of scarce vision, God begins to speak to Samuel and establishes his prophetic ministry, showing the transition from silence to revelation.
Alternative generated candidates
- The boy Samuel ministered to the LORD before Eli. In those days the word of the LORD was rare; visions were not widely revealed.
- Now the boy Samuel was ministering to the LORD before Eli. And the word of the LORD was rare in those days; visions were not widespread.
1 S.3.2 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- ביום: PREP
- ההוא: DEM,ms,sg
- ועלי: CONJ+NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- שכב: VERB,qal,inf
- במקמו: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs,3,m,sg
- ועיניו: CONJ+NOUN,f,pl,abs,3,m,sg
- החלו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- כהות: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- לא: PART_NEG
- יוכל: VERB,qal,impf,3,ms
- לראות: VERB,qal,inf
Parallels
- Gen.27.1 (verbal): Same narrative formula about an elderly man whose eyes have grown dim so he cannot see (Isaac's eyes are dim) — close verbal and thematic parallel to Eli's failing sight.
- Gen.48.10 (verbal): Joseph described as old and his eyes dim for age so that he could not see — another near‑verbal instance of the motif of eyesight failing in old age.
- 1Sam.4.18 (structural): Immediate narrative consequence: Eli, already old and with failing sight, hears the news of the ark's capture and collapses/dies — the earlier note about his dimmed eyes frames his inability to respond.
- Eccl.12.3 (thematic): Uses the image of eyes being darkened as a hallmark of old age and approaching death — thematically echoes the depiction of Eli's diminished vision as part of senescence.
- Judg.16.21 (thematic): Physical loss of sight (Samson blinded) functions as a motif of vulnerability and reversal; thematically resonates with Eli's inability to see and his diminished agency in the narrative.
Alternative generated candidates
- And it came about on that day that Eli lay in his place; his eyes had begun to grow dim so that he could not see.
- It came about at that time that Eli lay down in his place; his eyes began to grow dim so that he could not see.
1 S.3.3 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ונר: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- אלהים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- טרם: ADV
- יכבה: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- ושמואל: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שכב: VERB,qal,inf
- בהיכל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,def
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- שם: ADV
- ארון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אלהים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
Parallels
- Exodus 27:20-21 (verbal): The continual lamp before the LORD in the tabernacle is commanded here—direct background for 'the lamp of God had not yet gone out.'
- Leviticus 24:2-4 (verbal): Instructions about setting the lamps of the pure lampstand before the LORD continually echo the motif of an undying sanctuary light.
- Numbers 8:1-4 (verbal): Commands to arrange the lampstand so the lamps give light in the tent reinforce the ritual/architectural setting implied by the unextinguished lamp at Shiloh.
- 1 Samuel 2:18 (structural): Soon after Samuel's dedication, this verse describes him ministering before the LORD as a child in the house of God—same sanctuary setting and role as in 3:3.
- Luke 2:46-49 (thematic): A child found in the temple among the teachers; thematically parallels the motif of a young boy situated in the house of God, attentive to divine matters.
Alternative generated candidates
- The lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel lay in the house of the LORD where the ark of God was.
- The lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the house of the LORD where the ark of God was.
1 S.3.4 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ויקרא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- שמואל: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- הנני: PRT+PRON,1,sg
Parallels
- Exod.3.4 (verbal): God calls Moses by name from the bush and Moses responds 'Here am I' (הנני) — a close verbal and situational parallel to Samuel's call and reply.
- Gen.22.11 (verbal): An angel calls Abraham 'Abraham!' and he answers 'Here am I' (הנני) — the same call/response formula found in divine-human encounters.
- 1Sam.3.10 (structural): The very next occurrence in Samuel's call sequence: the LORD calls again and Samuel explicitly replies 'Here am I,' completing the call-and-response pattern.
- Isa.6.8 (thematic): Isaiah's prophetic call culminates in the response 'Here am I; send me' — thematically linked as a model prophetic answer to God's summons.
- Jer.1.4-6 (thematic): Jeremiah's call narrative (the word of the LORD comes to him and he must respond to God's commissioning) is a related prophetic-call motif, though Jeremiah initially objects rather than simply saying 'Here am I.'
Alternative generated candidates
- Then the LORD called Samuel; and he said, "Here I am."
- Then the LORD called, "Samuel!" and he said, "Here I am."
1 S.3.5 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- וירץ: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- אל: NEG
- עלי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- הנני: PRT+PRON,1,sg
- כי: CONJ
- קראת: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- לי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לא: PART_NEG
- קראתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,?,sg
- שוב: ADV
- שכב: VERB,qal,inf
- וילך: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- וישכב: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Exod.3.4 (verbal): God calls a named servant ('Moses, Moses') and the respondent answers 'Here am I' (Heb. הִנֵּנִי) — the same call‑and‑response formula as Samuel running to Eli.
- Gen.22.11 (verbal): The angel calls 'Abraham, Abraham' and Abraham replies 'Here am I' (הִנֵּנִי) — a parallel use of the 'Here I am' response to a divine summons.
- Isa.6.8 (thematic): Isaiah's 'Here am I; send me' echoes the prophetic call/response motif — a willing reply (הִנֵּנִי) to God's call, thematically linked to Samuel's attentive answering.
- 1Sam.3.10 (structural): Immediate narrative parallel within the same scene: after Eli instructs him, Samuel receives the call and answers appropriately ('Speak, for thy servant hears'), showing the call‑response arc begun in 3:5.
- 1Kgs.19.11-13 (thematic): Elijah's encounter with God (wind, earthquake, 'still small voice') explores discerning God's voice and responding — thematically parallel to Samuel hearing a voice at night and learning to recognize and reply to God's call.
Alternative generated candidates
- He ran to Eli and said, "Here I am; for you called me." Eli said, "I did not call; lie down again." So he went and lay down.
- And he ran to Eli and said, "Here I am, for you called me." But he replied, "I did not call; lie down again." So he went and lay down.
1 S.3.6 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ויסף: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- קרא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- עוד: ADV
- שמואל: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ויקם: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- שמואל: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- וילך: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- אל: NEG
- עלי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- הנני: PRT+PRON,1,sg
- כי: CONJ
- קראת: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- לי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לא: PART_NEG
- קראתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,_,sg
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- שוב: ADV
- שכב: VERB,qal,inf
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 3:4-10 (structural): Immediate literary context: multiple divine callings of Samuel, his repeated 'Hineni' response and Eli's instruction—this passage completes and expands the scene begun in 1 Sam 3:6.
- Exodus 3:4 (verbal): God calls Moses by name ('Moses! Moses!') and Moses answers 'Here I am' (הנני), paralleling the pattern of a divine summons and the servant's 'hineni' reply.
- Isaiah 6:8 (verbal): Prophetic response formula 'Here am I; send me' (הנני שלחני) echoes Samuel's 'hineni' as an expression of availability and readiness to serve after a divine call.
- Jeremiah 1:4-6 (thematic): Call of a prophet in youth: God addresses Jeremiah and commissions him, and Jeremiah objects to his inexperience—parallels Samuel's youthful calling and the dynamics of calling and human hesitation.
- 1 Kings 19:11-13 (thematic): Elijah's encounter with God's voice—God's manner of speaking (not in wind/fire but a 'still small voice') and the prophetic encounter resonate with the phenomenon of God's speaking/calling and the prophet's response in unexpected circumstances.
Alternative generated candidates
- Again the LORD called, "Samuel!" and Samuel rose and went to Eli and said, "Here I am; for you called me." Eli said, "I did not call, my son; lie down again."
- Again the LORD called, "Samuel!" And Samuel rose and went to Eli and said, "Here I am, for you called me." He answered, "I did not call, my son; lie down."
1 S.3.7 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ושמואל: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- טרם: ADV
- ידע: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- וטרם: ADV
- יגלה: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- אליו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- דבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 3:1 (structural): Immediate context: states that ‘the word of the LORD was rare’ and visions were uncommon, setting the same scene of limited revelation that explains Samuel’s not yet knowing the LORD.
- Jeremiah 1:4-10 (thematic): Call of a prophet who is commissioned despite youth/inexperience; parallels the motif of divine initiation of a prophet who did not previously have prophetic revelation or office.
- Isaiah 6:5-8 (thematic): Prophetic call narrative where the prophet encounters divine self-revelation and is then commissioned—parallels Samuel’s transition from not knowing the LORD to receiving God’s word.
- Amos 7:14-15 (thematic): Amos insists he was not a prophet by trade but was called by the LORD—echoes the theme of an ordinary person who had not previously known or functioned as a prophet being summoned into prophetic service.
- Hosea 4:6 (verbal): Speaks of destruction for lack of knowledge (‘for lack of knowledge my people perish’), thematically resonant with Samuel’s initial lack of knowledge of the LORD and the importance of divine knowledge/revelation.
Alternative generated candidates
- Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD, and the word of the LORD had not yet been revealed to him.
- Now Samuel had not yet come to know the LORD, and the word of the LORD had not yet been revealed to him.
1 S.3.8 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ויסף: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- קרא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- שמואל: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- בשלשית: ADV
- ויקם: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- וילך: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- אל: NEG
- עלי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- הנני: PRT+PRON,1,sg
- כי: CONJ
- קראת: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- לי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- ויבן: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- עלי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- כי: CONJ
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- קרא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לנער: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 3:10 (verbal): Immediate continuation: Samuel directly answers God ('Speak; for thy servant heareth'), showing the fulfillment of Eli’s recognition that God called the boy.
- Exodus 3:4 (verbal): God calls a named servant at close range and the servant responds 'Here am I' (Heb. hineni), paralleling the call-and-response pattern in Samuel's calling.
- Isaiah 6:8 (thematic): Prophetic call motif: the prophet's vocation involves a divine summons and the servant's willing response ('Here am I; send me'), echoing Samuel’s reception of God's call.
- Jeremiah 1:4-6 (thematic): Another prophetic call of a young person: God addresses and commissions the youth, and the youth responds (with objection in Jeremiah), paralleling Samuel’s early calling and God’s initiative.
- 1 Samuel 1:27-28 (structural): Background/dedication motif: Samuel was given to the LORD and set apart for service before Eli, which frames and explains why God addresses the boy and why Eli recognizes the divine call.
Alternative generated candidates
- So the LORD called Samuel again the third time. He rose and went to Eli and said, "Here I am; for you called me." Then Eli perceived that the LORD had called the boy.
- The LORD called once more, "Samuel!" and Samuel rose and went to Eli. Then Eli perceived that the LORD was calling the boy.
1 S.3.9 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- עלי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- לשמואל: PREP+NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- לך: PRON,2,m,sg
- שכב: VERB,qal,inf
- והיה: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- אם: CONJ
- יקרא: VERB,niphal,impf,3,m,sg
- אליך: PREP+PRON,2,m,sg
- ואמרת: CONJ+VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- דבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- כי: CONJ
- שמע: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- עבדך: NOUN,m,sg,abs,2,ms
- וילך: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- שמואל: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- וישכב: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- במקומו: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 3:10 (quotation): Immediate parallel/continuation: the next verse records the LORD calling again and Samuel answering almost verbatim, “Speak; for thy servant heareth.”
- Exodus 3:4 (verbal): God calls a person by name (Moses ‘Moses!’) and the human answers present — a common call-and-response pattern in prophetic/commission scenes.
- Isaiah 6:8 (thematic): Another prophetic call scene where the prophet responds to God's call with readiness (‘Here am I; send me’), echoing Samuel’s willing reply to hear and serve.
- Jeremiah 1:4-6 (structural): A canonical call-narrative: God speaks to Jeremiah, commissions him while he is young; parallels include divine initiation, human reception, and commissioning language.
- 1 Kings 19:11-13 (allusion): Elijah’s encounter with God culminates in a quiet still small voice to which the prophet listens — another instance of a prophet discerning and responding to God’s call.
Alternative generated candidates
- Eli said to Samuel, "Go, lie down; and if he calls you, you shall say, 'Speak, LORD; for your servant hears.'" So Samuel went and lay down in his place.
- So Eli said to Samuel, "Go, lie down; and if he calls you, say, 'Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening.'" And Samuel went and lay down in his place.
1 S.3.10 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ויבא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ויתיצב: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- ויקרא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- כפעם: PREP
- בפעם: PREP+NOUN,f,sg
- שמואל: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- שמואל: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- שמואל: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- דבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כי: CONJ
- שמע: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- עבדך: NOUN,m,sg,abs,2,ms
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 3:4-9 (structural): Immediate context: the narrative of the threefold call — God calls Samuel repeatedly and Eli instructs him how to respond, setting up v.10’s definitive hearing and reply.
- Exodus 3:4 (verbal): God calls Moses by name (’Moses! Moses!’) and Moses answers with 'Here I am' (hineni), paralleling the doubled vocative and Samuel’s 'Speak, for your servant hears.'
- Isaiah 6:8 (thematic): Prophetic call motif: a heavenly summons met by the prophet’s ready availability ('Here am I; send me'), echoing Samuel’s receptive response to God’s call.
- 1 Kings 19:11-13 (thematic): Theme of discerning God’s voice: Elijah experiences the LORD not in wind/fire/earthquake but in a 'still small voice,' paralleling how a prophet recognizes and responds to the divine utterance.
- Ezekiel 2:1-2 (allusion): The prophetic call scene where the Spirit seizes Ezekiel and he hears the word of the LORD mirrors the pattern of divine approach and commissioning found in Samuel’s call.
Alternative generated candidates
- The LORD came and stood and called as before, "Samuel! Samuel!" And Samuel said, "Speak; for your servant hears."
- The LORD came and stood and called as before, "Samuel! Samuel!" And Samuel said, "Speak, for your servant is listening."
1 S.3.11 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- שמואל: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- הנה: PART
- אנכי: PRON,1,sg
- עשה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- דבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- כל: DET
- שמעו: VERB,qal,impv,2,m,pl
- תצלינה: VERB,qal,impf,3,f,du
- שתי: NUM,card,f,du
- אזניו: NOUN,f,du,abs+PRON,3,m
Parallels
- 1 Sam.3.12 (structural): Immediate continuation: specifies the shocking deed God will perform ‘against Eli and his house,’ directly completing the announcement that will make listeners’ ‘ears tingle.’
- 1 Sam.2.27-36 (verbal): Earlier prophetic oracle against Eli’s house by ‘a man of God’—same theme of divine judgment on Eli’s priestly line and similar language about cutting off his house (prefigures the announcement in 3:11).
- 1 Sam.4.11-18 (thematic): Narrative fulfillment: report of Israel’s defeat, capture of the ark, and Eli’s death — the kind of shocking news that corresponds to God’s announced act which would make all who hear it ‘tingle.’
- 1 Sam.3.18 (structural): Samuel’s reporting of the vision to Eli and Eli’s resigned response (‘It is the LORD; let him do what seemeth him good’) shows the immediate human comprehension and reception of the prophetic announcement made in 3:11.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the LORD said to Samuel, "Behold, I am about to do a thing in Israel at which both ears of everyone who hears it will tingle.
- And the LORD said to Samuel, "Behold, I am about to do a thing in Israel at which all who hear it will tingle with both ears.
1 S.3.12 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ביום: PREP
- ההוא: DEM,ms,sg
- אקים: VERB,qal,impf,1,c,sg
- אל: NEG
- עלי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- כל: DET
- אשר: PRON,rel
- דברתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,c,sg
- אל: NEG
- ביתו: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- החל: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- וכלה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
Parallels
- 1 Sam 3:11 (verbal): Immediate parallel statement: God tells Samuel He will carry out all He has spoken against Eli's house — essentially the same proclamation of judgment.
- 1 Sam 3:13 (thematic): Explains the reason and scope of the judgment mentioned in 3:12 (Eli's sons' sin and Eli's failure to restrain them), reinforcing the causal theme of divine punishment 'from beginning to end.'
- 1 Sam 2:31-33 (verbal): Earlier prophetic oracle against Eli's house: God declares He will cut off Eli's descendants and raise up a faithful priest — language and content echo the total judgment announced in 3:12.
- 1 Sam 4:11 (structural): Narrative fulfillment: report of Israel's defeat, capture of the ark, and the deaths of Eli and his sons, which functions as a partial fulfillment of the judgment announced in 3:12.
- 1 Kgs 2:26-27 (thematic): Later consequence related to the priestly succession: Abiathar is removed from the priesthood, reflecting the long-term outcome of God's judgment on Eli's house announced in 1 Sam 3:12.
Alternative generated candidates
- On that day I will carry out against Eli all that I spoke concerning his house, from beginning to end.
- On that day I will fulfill against Eli everything I have spoken concerning his house, from beginning to end.
1 S.3.13 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- והגדתי: VERB,hiphil,perf,1,_,sg
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- כי: CONJ
- שפט: VERB,qal,perf,1,_,sg
- אני: PRON,1,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- ביתו: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עד: PREP
- עולם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בעון: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- ידע: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- כי: CONJ
- מקללים: VERB,piel,part,3,m,pl
- להם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- בניו: NOUN,m,pl,cs
- ולא: CONJ
- כהה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- בם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 2:22-25 (verbal): Earlier account of Eli’s sons abusing the sacrificial system and Eli’s failure to restrain them — background to the charge of judgment in 3:13.
- 1 Samuel 3:11-14 (quotation): Immediate context in which God announces judgment on Eli’s house “for the iniquity which he knew” because his sons sinned and he did not correct them (3:13 is part of this pronouncement).
- Ezekiel 3:18-21 (thematic): Theme of responsibility to warn or rebuke: if a guardian/watchman does not warn the wicked, their blood is required of the one who failed to intervene — parallels divine accountability for failure to restrain wrongdoing.
- Proverbs 13:24 (thematic): Saying about parental discipline — the failure to correct or restrain children leads to harmful consequences, echoing the moral principle behind Eli’s culpability.
Alternative generated candidates
- For I told him that I will judge his house forever for the iniquity that he knew—because his sons were blaspheming God, and he did not restrain them.
- For I told him that I will judge his house forever for the iniquity he knew—because his sons blasphemed God and he did not restrain them.
1 S.3.14 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ולכן: CONJ
- נשבעתי: VERB,niphal,perf,1,_,sg
- לבית: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,cns
- עלי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- אם: CONJ
- יתכפר: VERB,hitpael,impf,3,m,sg
- עון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בית: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עלי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- בזבח: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ובמנחה: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- עד: PREP
- עולם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Sam 2:27-36 (quotation): An earlier prophetic oracle against the house of Eli that contains the same divine oath and judgment—God declares He has sworn concerning Eli’s house and announces its removal from priesthood.
- 1 Sam 3:11-12 (quotation): Immediate context: Samuel relays God’s judgment that He will judge Eli’s house forever because of its iniquity—same content reiterated in 3:14.
- 1 Sam 2:12-17 (thematic): Describes the corrupt behavior of Eli’s sons in handling sacrifices (misusing offerings), giving the moral cause for the divine sentence that their iniquity will not be purged by sacrifice.
- Amos 5:21-24 (thematic): God rejects the people's cultic offerings and assemblies when justice/righteousness are absent—the motif that sacrifices are unacceptable and cannot atone for persistent sin resonates with 1 Sam 3:14.
- Leviticus 4:20 (verbal): Law on sin offerings (kippur/forgiveness) provides the background concept of purification by sacrifice; 1 Sam 3:14’s assertion that Eli’s house ‘shall not be purged by sacrifice’ directly contrasts the cultic expectation in Leviticus that offerings can purge sin.
Alternative generated candidates
- Therefore I have sworn to the house of Eli: the iniquity of Eli's house shall not be expiated by sacrifice or offering forever."
- Therefore I have sworn to the house of Eli: The iniquity of Eli's house shall not be atoned for by sacrifice or offering forever."
1 S.3.15 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- וישכב: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- שמואל: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- עד: PREP
- הבקר: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ויפתח: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- דלתות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- בית: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ושמואל: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ירא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- מהגיד: VERB,hifil,perf,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- המראה: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אל: NEG
- עלי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
Parallels
- 1Sam.3.10 (structural): Immediate narrative parallel: verse 10 records Samuel's call and his response, and verse 15 continues the scene by describing Samuel's reaction (remaining until morning and fearing to tell Eli) — part of the same call motif.
- Jer.1.6 (thematic): Both passages portray a young prophet expressing fear or a sense of inadequacy at the prospect of speaking God's word (Samuel fears to tell Eli; Jeremiah protests his youth/inability).
- Isa.6.5 (thematic): A vision of the divine provokes a frightened, self-condemning response (Isaiah: 'Woe is me, I am undone'); similarly Samuel is afraid to report the revelation to Eli after experiencing the divine revelation.
- Ezek.3.15 (thematic): After receiving his commission Ezekiel sits astonished and silent among the exiles for days; the motif of speechlessness/astonishment following a prophetic vision parallels Samuel's fear and reluctance to disclose the revelation.
Alternative generated candidates
- Samuel lay until morning and opened the doors of the house of the LORD. Samuel feared to tell the vision to Eli.
- Samuel lay until morning and opened the doors of the house of the LORD. Samuel was fearful to tell the vision to Eli.
1 S.3.16 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ויקרא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- עלי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- שמואל: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- שמואל: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- הנני: PRT+PRON,1,sg
Parallels
- Exod.3.4 (verbal): God calls Moses by name from the burning bush and Moses answers 'Here I am' (Heb. hineni) — same call-and-response formula as Samuel's reply.
- Gen.22.1-2 (verbal): When God calls Abraham, Abraham replies 'Here I am' (hineni); another early instance of the personal summons and immediate affirmative response.
- Isa.6.8 (thematic): Isaiah's prophetic call ends with his willing response 'Here am I; send me,' echoing the theme of a prophetic 'hineni' volunteer in answer to a divine summons.
- 1Sam.3.10 (structural): Earlier in the same scene the Lord calls 'Samuel! Samuel!' and Samuel answers 'Speak, for your servant is listening' — closely parallel structural call-and-response within the chapter.
Alternative generated candidates
- Eli called Samuel. "Samuel, my son," he said. "Here I am," Samuel answered.
- But Eli called Samuel and said, "Samuel, my son." He answered, "Here I am."
1 S.3.17 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- מה: PRON,int
- הדבר: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- דבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אליך: PREP+PRON,2,m,sg
- אל: NEG
- נא: PART
- תכחד: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- ממני: PREP,suff,1,m,sg
- כה: ADV
- יעשה: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- לך: PRON,2,m,sg
- אלהים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- וכה: CONJ+ADV
- יוסיף: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- אם: CONJ
- תכחד: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- ממני: PREP,suff,1,m,sg
- דבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מכל: PREP
- הדבר: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- דבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אליך: PREP+PRON,2,m,sg
Parallels
- Deuteronomy 18:18-19 (quotation): God’s law concerning a divinely appointed prophet who must speak God’s words; if the prophet’s words are not heeded God will hold the people responsible—background for Eli’s demand that Samuel not conceal God’s message and for the curse-formula.
- Ezekiel 3:17-21 (thematic): Ezekiel is appointed as a watchman and commanded to warn the house of Israel; if he fails to deliver God’s warning the blood of the guilty is required at his hand—parallels the duty to proclaim divine revelation and the consequence of concealment.
- Amos 3:7 (thematic): Affirms that the LORD reveals his purposes to his prophets beforehand; underscores the expectation that prophetic revelation will be disclosed rather than hidden, reflecting the premise of Eli’s admonition.
- Acts 3:22-23 (verbal): Peter cites Deuteronomy’s charge about the prophet like Moses and warns that failure to listen to such a prophet brings judgment—an NT echo of the same principle behind Eli’s threat if Samuel conceals God’s words.
Alternative generated candidates
- Eli said, "What is the thing that the LORD has told you? Do not conceal it from me. May God do so to you and more also, if you hide from me any of the words that He told you."
- And Eli said, "What is the thing that he told you? Do not hide it from me. May God do so to you and more also if you hide anything from me of all the things that he told you."
1 S.3.18 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ויגד: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- שמואל: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- כל: DET
- הדברים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- ולא: CONJ
- כחד: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- ממנו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- הוא: PRON,3,m,sg
- הטוב: ADJ,m,sg,def
- בעינו: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- יעשה: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 3:11-14 (quotation): The prophetic verdict Samuel reports in 3:18 is the same revelation given earlier in 3:11-14 about judgment on Eli’s house; 3:18 records Samuel relaying that message to Eli.
- 1 Samuel 2:27-36 (structural): An earlier prophecy against Eli’s household (2:27-36) states the same themes of priestly failure and divine judgment that Samuel communicates in 3:18—parallel tradition of condemnation.
- Psalm 115:3 (verbal): Both verses affirm divine sovereignty over events: Psalm 115:3, 'Our God is in the heavens; he does whatever he pleases,' echoes Eli’s resigned, 'Let him do what seems good to him.'
- Job 1:21 (thematic): Eli’s submission to God’s decision in 3:18 parallels Job’s posture of acceptance ('The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away…'), reflecting a theme of yielding to God’s will in the face of calamity.
Alternative generated candidates
- So Samuel told him all the words, and he did not hide anything from him. And he said, "He is the LORD; let him do what is good in his sight."
- So Samuel told him everything and hid nothing from him. Then he said, "He is the LORD; let him do what seems good to him."
1 S.3.19 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ויגדל: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- שמואל: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ויהוה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- היה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- עמו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- ולא: CONJ
- הפיל: VERB,hiphil,perf,3,m,sg
- מכל: PREP
- דבריו: NOUN,m,pl,abs+3m
- ארצה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 2:26 (structural): Same narrative frame within 1 Samuel: Samuel’s growth and favorable standing with God and people (closely parallels 'Samuel grew' and divine presence).
- Genesis 39:2 (thematic): 'The LORD was with him' formula applied to Joseph, signifying divine presence that brings success and preservation—parallel emphasis on God's sustaining presence with a chosen servant.
- Isaiah 55:11 (verbal): God’s word accomplishing its purpose ('shall not return to me empty') echoes the idea that none of Samuel’s words 'fell to the ground'—the efficacy of divine speech/prophecy.
- Luke 2:52 (thematic): Summary of Jesus’ youth: growth and favor with God and people—parallels Samuel’s development and divine favor in his early life.
- Jeremiah 1:5-10 (allusion): Prophetic commissioning where God is with the prophet and empowers him to speak effectively; thematically linked to Samuel’s prophetic role and the effectiveness of his words.
Alternative generated candidates
- Samuel grew, and the LORD was with him and did not let any of his words fall to the ground.
- Now Samuel grew, and the LORD was with him and let none of his words fall to the ground.
1 S.3.20 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- וידע: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- כל: DET
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מדן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ועד: CONJ+PREP
- באר: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- שבע: NUM,card
- כי: CONJ
- נאמן: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- שמואל: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- לנביא: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ליהוה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- 1 Sam.3.19-21 (structural): Immediate context: describes Samuel’s growth, God’s presence with him, and that none of his words failed—culminating in the national recognition stated in v.20.
- Judg.20.1 (verbal): Uses the same geographic formula “from Dan to Beersheba” to denote the whole of Israel, paralleling the scope of recognition in 1 Sam 3:20.
- 1 Sam.9.6 (verbal): Speaks of a ‘man of God’ whose words ‘surely come to pass,’ echoing Samuel’s reputation as a reliable/faithful prophet.
- Deut.18.15-19 (thematic): Promises that God will raise up a prophet like Moses whom the people must heed—provides theological background for recognizing Samuel as the Lord’s prophet.
- 1 Kgs.18:36-39 (thematic): After Elijah’s demonstration on Carmel the people acknowledge Yahweh and his prophet—parallels the national acknowledgment of prophetic authority in 1 Sam 3:20.
Alternative generated candidates
- And all Israel, from Dan to Beersheba, knew that Samuel was a reliable prophet of the LORD.
- And all Israel from Dan to Beersheba knew that Samuel was established as a prophet of the LORD.
1 S.3.21 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ויסף: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- להראה: VERB,hiphil,inf
- בשלה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- כי: CONJ
- נגלה: VERB,niphal,perf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- שמואל: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- בשלו: NOUN,prop,m,sg
- בדבר: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 3:19 (structural): Immediate narrative continuation: reiterates that the LORD was with Samuel and that none of his words fell to the ground—directly connected to the revelation at Shiloh.
- 1 Samuel 3:20 (thematic): Shows the consequence of divine revelation—Samuel’s recognition throughout Israel as a prophet, paralleling 3:21’s note that God revealed himself to Samuel.
- Isaiah 6:1-8 (thematic): Call-vision of a prophet in the presence of the LORD (a divine appearance in the sanctuary) parallels Samuel’s revelation at Shiloh and the founding of a prophetic vocation.
- Jeremiah 1:4-5 (verbal): Formulaic language 'the word of the LORD came to me' echoes the mode of divine communication to Samuel—revelation by the word of the LORD initiating a prophetic commission.
- 1 Kings 19:11-13 (allusion): Divine self-revelation to a prophet in an unexpected manner (not in strong wind/fire but in a still small voice) parallels the varied ways God makes himself known to prophets like Samuel at Shiloh.
Alternative generated candidates
- The LORD continued to appear at Shiloh; indeed the LORD revealed himself to Samuel there by the word of the LORD.
- The LORD continued to reveal himself at Shiloh; the LORD revealed himself to Samuel there by the word of the LORD.
1 S.4.1 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- דבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שמואל: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- לכל: PREP
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויצא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לקראת: PREP
- פלשתים: NOUN,m,pl,cstr
- למלחמה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ויחנו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- על: PREP
- האבן: NOUN,f,sg,def
- העזר: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ופלשתים: CONJ+NOUN_PROP,m,pl,abs
- חנו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- באפק: PREP
Parallels
- 1 Sam.7.7-12 (thematic): Both passages describe Israel's confrontation with the Philistines in the same region and involve Samuel's leadership; 7:12 even sets up a stone 'Ebenezer' after divine deliverance, echoing the place-name in 4:1 and the theme of battle and divine intervention.
- 1 Sam.29.1 (verbal): The Philistine forces are again said to gather at Aphek (same place-name as in 4:1), showing a recurring Philistine assembly-point and the strategic significance of Aphek.
- 1 Sam.17.1-11 (thematic): Another instance of the Philistines mustering to face Israel (the Goliath narrative); thematically parallels the ongoing, repeated conflict between Israel and the Philistines introduced in 4:1.
- 1 Sam.4.10-11 (structural): The immediate narrative continuation: these verses report the outcome of the engagement mentioned in 4:1 (Israel's defeat, casualties, and the capture of the ark), completing the episode begun in 4:1.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the word of Samuel went out to all Israel. Israel went out to meet the Philistines in battle and camped at Ebenezer, while the Philistines camped at Aphek.
- The word of Samuel came to all Israel. Then Israel went out to fight against the Philistines and encamped at Eben-Ezer, while the Philistines encamped at Aphek.
Now the boy Samuel ministered before the LORD under Eli. The word of the LORD was rare in those days; visions were not widely revealed. And on that day Eli lay in his place; his eyes had begun to grow dim so that he could not see. And the lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel lay sleeping in the house of the LORD where the ark of God was.
The LORD called Samuel. He answered, 'Here I am.'
He ran to Eli and said, 'Here I am; for you called me.' Eli said, 'I did not call; lie down again.' So he went and lay down.
Again the LORD called, 'Samuel!' And Samuel rose, went to Eli, and said, 'Here I am; for you called me.' He said, 'I did not call, my son; lie down.'
Samuel did not yet know the LORD, and the word of the LORD had not yet been revealed to him.
The LORD called Samuel again for the third time. He rose, went to Eli, and said, 'Here I am; for you called me.' Then Eli perceived that the LORD was calling the boy.
Eli said to Samuel, 'Go, lie down; and if he calls you, you shall say, "Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening."' So Samuel went and lay down in his place.
The LORD came and stood there and called as before, 'Samuel! Samuel!' And Samuel answered, 'Speak, for your servant is listening.' And the LORD said to Samuel, 'Behold, I am about to do a thing in Israel that will make both the ears of everyone who hears it tingle.'
'On that day I will carry out against Eli all that I have spoken concerning his house, from beginning to end.' And I told him that I will judge his house forever for the iniquity that he knew—because his sons were blaspheming God and he would not restrain them.
Therefore I have sworn to the house of Eli that the iniquity of Eli's house shall not be atoned for by sacrifice or offering forever.'
Samuel lay until morning and opened the doors of the house of the LORD. Samuel was afraid to relate the vision to Eli.
Eli called Samuel and said, 'Samuel, my son.' He answered, 'Here I am.'
Eli said, 'What is the thing that the LORD has said to you? Do not hide it from me. May God do so to you and more also, if you hide from me anything of all that he told you.' So Samuel told him everything and did not hide anything from him. And he said, 'He is the LORD; let him do what is good in his sight.'
Samuel grew, and the LORD was with him and let none of his words fall to the ground.
All Israel from Dan to Beersheba knew that Samuel was established as a prophet of the LORD. And the LORD continued to appear at Shiloh; indeed the LORD revealed himself to Samuel there by the word of the LORD.
The word of Samuel went out to all Israel. When Israel went out to battle against the Philistines, they encamped at Ebenezer, and the Philistines encamped at Aphek.